Nigerian Senate Passes Key Electoral Act Amendment Bill

On February 24, 2026, the Nigerian Senate passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which introduces significant changes to the electoral process in Nigeria. The bill includes key provisions that allow for the transmission of poll unit results through the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) results viewing portal (IREV).

The passage of the bill followed a motion by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, leading to a major vote in support of the amendments. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the bill's passage, highlighting it as a testament to the Senate's commitment to democratic governance.

The amended bill repeals the Electoral Act of 2022 and establishes the Electoral Act of 2026, regulating the conduct of federal, state, and area council elections in Nigeria. It also adopts direct consensus for primary party nominations.

The bill is now awaiting concurrence from the House of Representatives before being transmitted for presidential assent, marking a significant step towards improving Nigeria's electoral process.